Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to legendary Indiana Hoosiers basketball coach Bob Knight following his death on Wednesday night.
“The World just lost an incredible person, the Great Bobby Knight. He was not just an award-winning and record-breaking Coach,” Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social.
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The leading Republican presidential candidate called Knight “loyal.”
“He was loyal to his Players, to his State, and to our Country — Tough as nails, but a big heart,” Trump continued.
Knight was a staunch supporter of Trump’s political endeavors on the campaign trail at various rallies throughout the years.
During a 2018 rally, the former president shared how his relationship began with the famous coach.
“A year before I was going to run, Bobby Knight called,” he recalled. “‘Trump! This is Bobby Knight and you gotta run for president. Our country needs you.'”
Trump shared Wednesday night that Knight helped in his political efforts.
“When he Endorsed me, it was like the whole Great World of Indiana opened up happy and wide,” he said on social media.
Knight died on Wednesday at the age of 83.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family,” his website said. “We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend.”
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Knight led Indiana to three national championships and reached the NCAA March Madness tournament 24 times in his 29 years at Indiana. Knight also coached the 1984 U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in Los Angeles.
“Our hearts and prayers are with his wonderful wife Karen and Sons, Tim and Pat—Their Father was a great man!” Trump said in his Truth Social message.
